Abstract:
UK Trade & Investment and the MNT (Micro and Nanotechnology Network) announce the launch of a new industry standard, the first of its kind for the nanotechnology industry in Europe

UK nanotechnology to get its own mark of excellence

September 08, 2005

The UK Micro and NanoTechnology Network (MNT), has initiated a MNT Quality
Mark for firms involved in the nanotechnology industry. The objective of the
MNT Quality Mark is to benchmark development and implementation of best
practice and to set a strict minimum standard of performance and achievement.

The new MNT Quality Mark initiative follows the recent announcement that the
UK has been awarded the Chair and Secretariat of the International
Organization for Standardisation's (ISO) technical committee for
nanotechnologies. Through this committee the UK can further support this
emerging discipline and use standardisation to help ensure its successful
global growth.

In an inaugural UK pilot, five companies have achieved this 'Seal of
Approval' and will receive their awards at the end of September.

Chief Executive of UKTI, William Pedder said:
"The MNT Quality Mark is a key milestone for the UK nanotechnology industry.
It strengthens our position as a world leader in innovation and
standardisation. It will be vital to help businesses act responsibly in
maximising nanotechnology and gain a competitive advantage in a global
marketplace. "

"The launch of the MNT network in 2003 has seen the nanotechnology industry
rapidly evolve and expand in the UK. The Government investment support, such
as that provided by UK Trade & Investment, MNT network and the Regional
Development Agencies, ensures that the UK is set to remain at the forefront
of the global nanotechnology sector."

UK nanotechnology is a driving force for high-technology manufacturing and
both the Government and industry have been working hard with the UK's
research institutes to ensure they create the best possible opportunities for
the application of this technology.

The global market for nanotechnology is forecast to exceed $1,000 billion
within the decade.

The potential of nanotechnology is enormous and far-reaching. Increased
energy efficiency, a cleaner environment, more effective medical treatment
and improved manufacturing are just some of the expected benefits - all
achieved while working at a scale 10,000 times smaller than the thickness of
a human hair.

The UK Government is investing heavily in collaborative research and a new
network of micro and nanotechnology facilities. The Government's continued
funding of the Micro and NanoTechonlogy Network (MNT) is helping to drive the
market forward by enabling industry access to leading nanotechnology research
facilities and resources. Significant investment has been committed to
applied research, and the UK is quickly establishing facilities offering
services to technical industries including nanomaterials, nanomedicine, micro
and nanofabrication and metrology.

NanoEurope 2005 held on 13 - 15 September in Switzerland is an excellent
platform for the UK Government to show it recognises the importance of
initiative development in the nanotechnology sector. Information on the MNT
Quality Mark scheme will be available on the UK Pavilion at NanoEurope. Ten
organisations representing the best of UK nanotechnology will be exhibiting
their latest products and processes and will be available for cooperation
discussions.

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Notes to editors:

1. NanoEurope is taking place from September 13-15 in St
Gallen, Switzerland www.nanoeurope.com. Visit UK
Trade & Investment at the UK Pavilion, Hall 9 Stand 17 or www.uknano.biz for further information.

2. UK Trade & Investment is leading a tour of the UK
pavilion on September 13 at 3.15pm and hosting a networking reception on
September 14.

3. UK Trade & Investment can offer briefing on the
nanotechnology industry with a UK expert, at NanoEurope or via telephone.

4. The UK Trade & Investment NanoEurope press pack
contains case studies from Thomas Swan, a manufacturer of single wall
nanotubes for use in print, paper, energy storage and electronics; Smith &
Nephew, a company that is at the forefront of developing applications for
nanotechnology and Oxonica, who have recently launched a revolutionary
sunscreen using a nanoparticle filter. Further case studies available on
request.

5. Nano Europe will showcase ten organisations located in the UK who are at the forefront of global nanotechnology.

London Centre for Nanotechnology - www.london-nano.ucl.ac.uk

Nanoco technologies -www.nanoco.biz

Nanofactory - www.leeds.ac.uk/speme/ipse

NanoMagnetics Ltd - www.nanomagnetics.com

Nanosight - www.nanosight.co.uk

Oxford Instruments Plasma - www.oxford-instruments.com

QinetiQ Nanomaterials Ltd - www.nano.QinetiQ.com

Semefab (Scotland) Ltd - www.semefab.co.uk

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd - www.thomas-swan.co.uk

University of Bristol Colloid Centre - www.thebcc.co.uk

6. Through the Government Micro and NanoTechnology (MNT) Network (www.mntnetwork.com) a national strategy has been put in place and the public and private sectors are encouraged to cooperate in applied research and the creation of vital facilities.

7. UK Trade & Investment is the government organization
that provides integrated support services for both UK companies engaged in
overseas trade, and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward
investment location. For more information visit the web site at
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

8. The UK Micro and Nanotechnology (MNT) Network has
been established by the DTI and the 12 Regional Development Agencies and
Devolved Administrations working together, to provide a market-oriented focus
for the facilities, people and organisations engaged in Micro and
Nanotechnologies in the UK. mnt.globalwatchonline.com